"YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED" removal instructions

What is "YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED"?

The "YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED" message states that the computer has been infected with various viruses/malware and that private data (Facebook Login, Credit Card Details, Email Account Login, etc.) has been stolen. The message encourages users to contact technical support via a telephone number provided. Users are often tricked into believing that this message is legitimate, however, it is a scam. This virus is very similar to the previously-distributed scam, "Your Browser Has Been Blocked".

"YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED" is promoted via various adware-type applications. These apps often claim to provide a number of 'valuable features' in order to trick users to install. After system infiltration, adware generates various intrusive advertisements (for example, banners, pop-ups, coupons, interstitial, search, and other similar ads) that often conceal underlying content of visited websites, thereby significantly diminishing the web browsing experience. In addition, some lead to malicious sites that contain infectious content - clicking them is risky and might cause further computer infections. Furthermore, adware-type applications gather various data that might be personally identifiable, including IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, geo-location, language, browser/operating system types, etc. The information is shared with cooperating third party companies who misuse personally identifiable details to generate revenue. Thus, the presence of data-tracking apps on your system can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. "YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED" pop-up is a scam and, therefore, if you encounter this error message, uninstall all recently-installed and/or suspicious applications immediately.

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

Adware-type applications have similar characteristics. All claim to enhance the web browsing experience in some way, however, these claims are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimate software. In fact, all adware is designed to generate revenue for the developers - they deliver no value for regular users. Rather than enabling the functions promised, potentially unwanted adware-type programs cause unwanted browser redirects (thereby generating traffic for certain sites), gather personally identifiable information (which is later sold to third parties), and deliver intrusive online advertisements (using the 'Pay Per Click’ [PPC] advertising model).

How did adware-type applications install on my computer?

Most adware is distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling'. Developers know that many users do not express enough caution when downloading and installing software. Aware of this, developers conceal bogus programs within the 'Custom/Advanced' download or installation section. By rushing and skipping steps, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

There are two main steps you should take to prevent this situation. Firstly, never rush when downloading and installing software - select the 'Custom/Advanced' settings and closely analyze each step. Secondly, decline offers to download/install third party applications and opt-out of those already included. Bundled software is often dubious and, thus, should never be installed.

Here's a variant of this scam that exploits the name of a legitimate antivirus vendor McAfee (+1-844-312-7478 phone number):

Tech support scammers using various animations to make this scam appear more realistic (+1-844-831-6841 phone number):

Below is a screenshot of an updated variant of this scam (tech support scammers now use the 18889970687 phone number):

Text presented in "YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED" scam variant 1:

YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED Error # 268D3 Please call us immediately at: 1-888-375-1978 Do not ignore this critical alert. If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network. Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a virus and spyware. The following information is being stolen... > Facebook Login > Credit Card Details > Email Account Login > Photos stored on this computer You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled. Toll Free: 1-888-375-1978

Screenshots of "YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED" scam variant 2:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Text presented in "YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN BLOCKED" scam variant 2:

Your computer has been Locked Your computer with IP address - has been infected by the Virus RDN/YahLover.worm!055BCCAC9FEC — Because System Activation KEY has expired & Your information )for example, passwords, messages, and credit cards) have been stolen. Call the Technical Support number +1-844-556-7757 to protect your files and identity from further damage. Call Technical Support Immediately at 1-844-556-7757 The following data will be compromised if you continue: 1. Passwords 2. Browser History 3. Credit Card Information The virus is well known for complete identity and credit card theft. Further action through this computer or any computer in the network will reveal private information and involve serious risks.

A variant of this scam ("pornvirusalert") that uses porn images to trick PC users into calling fake tech support numbers (800-368-9744):

A variant of "Your computer has been blocked" scam pop-up using logos of various banks and +1-844-807-8357 phone number:

Jet another variant of "Computer Blocked" scam:

Text presented in this scam:

COMPUTER BLOCKED Windows firewall has detected some suspicious activity from your IP address: 157.1.0.1 and network connection has been blocked temporarily. To get it unlocked you need to call on Microsoft technical support desk. Microsoft Safety & Security Center: 1-866-245-4827 Ring now to get it fixed toll free: 1-866-245-4827 Do not restart the device, this may cause serious damage to the system and network address. Don’t worry, Microsoft brings this free for you. Please do not shut down or restart your computer, doing that may lead to data loss and failure of operating system, hence non bootable situation resulting complete data loss. Contact administrator department to resolve the issue on toll free: 1-866-245-4827 Official us local Microsoft Support - 1-866-245-4827

A variant of your "Your computer has been blocked" scam using a red background and +1-888-583-9666 phone number:

A variant of "Your Computer Has Been Blocked" POP-UP scam using +1-877-818-5969 phone number:

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Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the your computer has been blocked virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious add-ons from Microsoft Edge:

Click the three horizontal dots icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions, right click your mouse on these entries and click "Uninstall".

Optional method:

Click the three horizontal dots icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), and select Settings.

In the opened tab, click the "Choose what to clear" button.

Click Show more and select everything, and then click the "Clear" button.

If this didn't help, please follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset Microsoft Edge browser.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter to stay informed about the latest online security threats.

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